FAQ

Is it possible to use the PersoApp Open Source Software Library as a fully operational eID client?
PersoApp provides an implementation of the new German national ID card’s electronic identification function in two variations: proprietary and Open Source. The proprietary eID client is fully operational as per the PersoApp demo and test service. It is implemented in Java 1.6 according to the technical guidelines (TR) of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). The proprietary eID client is available for MS Windows, Mac OS, and GNU/Linux. The Open Source Software Library provides an implementation of this electronic identification function as a software module. It can be integrated in other software applications, which turn into an eID client as well. The Open Source Software Library is also implemented in Java 1.6.

Is the Perso App software secure for an eID client?
Current security architecture refers to the protection goals confidentiality, integrity, and availability according to a model-based threat analysis. Security for an IT system with the new German national ID card’s online identification function refers to the Federal Office for Information Security (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik – BSI) technical guidelines (TR):

BSI-TR-03112: eCard API Framework
BSI-TR-03127: Architecture electronic Identity Card and electronic Resident Permit (informative translation)
BSI-TR-03128: EAC-PKI for the electronic Identity Card
BSI-TR-03130: eID-Server

Both the proprietary eID client and each release of the PersoApp Open Source Software Library are tested regarding its compliance with these guidelines. Additionally, the project provides guidelines for the assessment and secure integration of this Open Source Software Library into an (existing) IT system.

How can I test an integration of the PersoApp Open Source Software Library?
The PersoApp consortium provides a demo and a test service, which are compliant with the BSI TR, free of charge to the PersoApp Community for the complete project duration. This enables the Community to test their own software during their development phase. The proprietary eID client of PersoApp serves as a reference.

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has extended the online identification function by a new invocation mechanism. This should ensure its usage independent from any web browser. Does the eID client of PersoApp support this extension?
Yes, since both variations are based on the AGETO eID client. The AGETO eID client supports solely these new invocation mechanisms, since browser plugins have not been and will not be distributed. This mechanism has been ratified by BSI and is available since February 2012.

When will the PersoApp software be available?
The proprietary eID client is available since June 2013. The Open Source Software Library will be available in October 2013 in a first major release.

What is the license for the Open Source Software Library and documentation of PersoApp?
Modules of the PersoApp Open Source Software Library are available under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) v3. PersoApp documentation is available according to Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported.

How can I as a citizen participate in the PersoApp Community?
Citizens are the main audience of PersoApp‘s efforts and contributions. Citizens can participate via a survey, PersoApp events, and extensions of the Open Source Software Library. As a participant of a PersoApp poll, a citizen can express his personal interests in Internet applications with the new German national ID card together with his personal requirements as to their security and usability. Citizens can get detailed information about the chances and risks of Internet applications and about the opportunities of the new German national ID card’s online identification function as a trust anchor for security and privacy in the Internet.

How can I as a free developer participate in the PersoApp Community?
Free developers are invited to develop the PersoApp Open Source Software Library further by adding a new module or by integrating the library in their own applications. Additionally, a free developer can participate by leading a group for a module and as a technical reviewer.

How can I as a representative of a company participate in the PersoApp Community?
Companies can participate in a PersoApp survey and the integration of the Open Source Software Library in applications. By participating in a PersoApp poll, for example via a telephone interview, a company can express its interests in Internet applications based on the new German national ID card’s online identification functionality and voice its requirements with regard to security and usability. Companies can participate in the PersoApp Community by integrating the PersoApp Open Source Software Library in their own applications, thereby supporting the development of software with the new German national ID card.

How can I as a representative of a public service organization participate in the PersoApp Community?
Similar to companies, public service organizations can participate in the PersoApp Community in a survey and the integration of the PersoApp Open Source Software Library. Additionally, they can use PersoApp results to further develop the trust infrastructure of the new German national ID card’s online identification function as a trust anchor.

When can I participate in the PersoApp Community?
A participation in the PersoApp Community is always possible. The following PersoApp Community contributions and activities are available initially:

Proprietary eID client based on the AGETO eID client together with its demo and test service and the Fraunhofer SIT guidelines.
TU Darmstadt/CASED survey on the security and usability of Internet applications with the new German national ID card as well as the design of use cases.
PersoApp Open Source Software Library, which is based on the proprietary eID client.

How can I get news and further information about the PersoApp Community?
News, announcements, and further information about PersoApp are available via Twitter @persoapp, the Internet portal www.persoapp.de, at PersoApp events, and via e-mail at